13.2.1 Printer Connectivity

Learn the different ways a printer can be connected to a computer or network.

Network Printing

Network printing allows users to use their printing resources more efficiently compared to traditional printing. It requires all workstations to be connected to a network of some sort, then a network printer can be implemented in the network. There are several different ways to do this:

• USB
• Serial-Port
• Network-attached
• Wireless (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)
• Cloud/Remote

USB

The least expensive way to implement a network printer. It's connected to a computer, then access to the printer is shared among other computers that are connected to the computer through a network. This is a shared printer. Another way to do this is by simply plugging in the printer's USB connector into the router that hosts the computer network. This also creates a network computer.

Serial

Older printers might use a serial connection, and it's still able to be accessed by Windows through the control panel. However, usage of the printer depends on whether or not the workstation that'll be hosting the printer has a serial port available. This might take longer to get in an enterprise setting since you'll need to enable the serial port through BIOS. Even worse, is that if the computer isn't on at all times, the network printer won't be accessible for other employees that might need to use it. This is why serial-based network printers aren't used as often as the others.

Network-attached

Some printers come with their own network interface, allowing print jobs to be sent from workstations directly to the printer, without another workstation acting as an intermediary. This is why big enterprises use network-attached printers since they don't require additional setup and usage doesn't depend on someone's computer being on all the time.

Wireless

The easiest way to share a printer. Printers that are Wi-Fi or Ethernet capable are easier to setup and get working. Ethernet printers only require that you plug them in to a network router.

Cloud/Remote

Allows users to wirelessly send jobs from internet-connected device to a remote printer. The printer needs to be connected to the internet and have special software that enables the use of cloud printing.

Google Cloud Print is the most common type of cloud printing system, and it requires a specially manufactured Google Cloud Print-ready printer or a network printer running the Google Cloud Print connector software.

Data Privacy Warning (Raw Lesson Content)

With network printing, you should also be aware of data privacy issues when using public devices. When you sent a print job to a network printer, your job is cached to the hard drive and saved there. If you are printing personal information, then you have just saved your personal information to a public network, opening your information up to thieves. Be careful about which network you are logging into to print from.

If you are printing from a mobile device, make sure that user authentication is set up on your device. Mobile devices store passwords for email, VPN, and other accounts, as well as banking information, photos, and other personal information that can be stolen if not protected.

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